Where were all the ska fans on Saturday night? With six horn-based groups on the ticket at Club Aruba, I expected every zoot-suit wearing, skank-dancing ska fan to be on the dance floor, yet the crowd steadily dwindled as the bands got better.
Locals The Remedies started off the night with a so-so, standard set that nevertheless got the small crowd dancing. A few more fans crept a little closer to the stage for fellow Las Vegans The Boss City Sounds, who put a refreshing spin on the genre with the Gwen Stefani-esque vocals of lead singer Kelsey Joy Lugo. After their set, fans who stepped outside the venue for a smoke were amazed to learn The Boss City Sounds have only been performing together for a few months.
Local reggae-ska favorites One Pin Short then launched into a peppy set that showed exactly why they are the ska band in town. Throughout their performance, their smiling faces showed a genuine passion for the music they love. Singer Shawn Garnett thanked the crowd, saying, “You guys are freakin’ awesome … wait, it’s a 21-and over-show. You guys are fucking awesome!” The feeling is mutual.
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